The Effects of Spinal Mobilization Added to an Exercise Program in Recreational Tennis Players With Mechanical

This prospective, single-blind, parallel-group randomized controlled trial evaluated whether adding cervical and thoracic spinal mobilization (Maitland concept, grades I-IV) to a structured home therapeutic exercise program improves pain intensity and physical fitness parameters in recreational tennis players with mechanical neck pain. Thirty adults aged 18-45 years with body mass index (BMI) of 18-30 kg/m² and mechanical neck pain (Visual Analog Scale, VAS \> 4) lasting more than one week were randomized 1:1 into a Control Group (CG, n=15) performing an unsupervised 21-session home exercise program (one session per day for three weeks) and an Experimental Group (EG, n=15) performing the identical home exercise program plus four therapist-delivered sessions of cervical and upper thoracic spinal mobilization (one at baseline and one per week thereafter, across three weeks). Outcomes assessed at baseline (Week 0) and post-intervention (Week 3) included VAS for pain during physical activity, at rest, and during sleep; cervical range of motion measured with a Cervical Range of Motion (CROM) device; isometric neck muscle strength (handheld dynamometer); pinch and hand grip strength; ruler-drop reaction time; sit-and-reach flexibility; and vertical jump performance assessed with the My Jump Lab application.